Pryor comments on minority, women contracting program termination following IBLC press conference

Today, August 17, the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) held a press conference to discuss the potential economic impacts of Gov. Braun’s July executive order ending Indiana’s Minority and Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) program.

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), a member of the IBLC, issued the following statement:

“The M/WBE program wasn’t hurting anyone. Despite Attorney General Rokita and Gov. Braun’s claims of unfairness, not a single lawsuit was brought against the program in the 43 years since its establishment. But eliminating a statutory program is illegal, and I stand in solidarity with IBLC in challenging its termination.

“The businesses that benefited from the M/WBE program bring jobs and investment into their communities. The program helped ensure that minority- and women-owned businesses have an equal opportunity to participate and receive contracts from the state.

“Like everyone else, minorities and women pay taxes in Indiana. Therefore, we have every right to expect and demand that our businesses benefit from those contributions. Too often, women- and minority owned businesses, big or small, are denied and overlooked in state entities’ contracting decisions.

“I urge Gov. Braun to rescind his executive order ending the program and allow all Hoosier business owners a fair shot and a seat at the table.”